Today, this Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, we hear Moses today encourage the people to follow the law of the Lord with all their heart and soul. He reminds them [us] to keep God’s commands and statutes, that this law is “something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts; you have only to carry it out.” Hey! Easier said, than done, Moses!
In the Gospel of Luke today we hear the familiar story of “The Good Samaritan.” In telling this parable, Jesus broadens the definition of “neighbors” beyond just those people we know or those who live near us. We are called to reconciliation at the most difficult level: loving our actual enemies!
The scholar who questions Jesus about what it takes to inherit eternal life also asks Jesus who his neighbors are. The Samaritan’s mercy for the robber’s victim is the point of the parable that Jesus tells. In the telling of this parable, Jesus’ example of the merciful person is actually a person abhorrent to the Jews of this time! And yet, the Samaritan is the one who acts in love.
Christian neighborliness does not refer to where one lives, or personal beliefs, cultural customs and languages and ethnicity; it is revealed in the way one acts. We are called to rise above shared hatred and bitterness, to put aside our personal restrictions, to be moved by a deep compassion for those in need of healing and mercy. Easier said, than done, Lord!
So, who are our neighbors? This is a difficult question in this tumultuous time; easier asked, than answered. We have all heard the “love law” in Scripture: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” St. Paul has warned us against biting and devouring one other. (Politicians: pay attention!) Recently in conversation with an old friend of mine: she said that just because you go to Church, it doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going into your garage makes you a car. Professing Christ is easier said, than done!
We gather to pray that the Lord of All Nations may grant us the grace to love all people—especially those who are difficult to love. May we all be filled with the Holy Spirit, so that all whose lives are touched by ours may know Your healing touch and mercy. Love all your neighbors.
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
In the Gospel of Luke today we hear the familiar story of “The Good Samaritan.” In telling this parable, Jesus broadens the definition of “neighbors” beyond just those people we know or those who live near us. We are called to reconciliation at the most difficult level: loving our actual enemies!
The scholar who questions Jesus about what it takes to inherit eternal life also asks Jesus who his neighbors are. The Samaritan’s mercy for the robber’s victim is the point of the parable that Jesus tells. In the telling of this parable, Jesus’ example of the merciful person is actually a person abhorrent to the Jews of this time! And yet, the Samaritan is the one who acts in love.
Christian neighborliness does not refer to where one lives, or personal beliefs, cultural customs and languages and ethnicity; it is revealed in the way one acts. We are called to rise above shared hatred and bitterness, to put aside our personal restrictions, to be moved by a deep compassion for those in need of healing and mercy. Easier said, than done, Lord!
So, who are our neighbors? This is a difficult question in this tumultuous time; easier asked, than answered. We have all heard the “love law” in Scripture: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” St. Paul has warned us against biting and devouring one other. (Politicians: pay attention!) Recently in conversation with an old friend of mine: she said that just because you go to Church, it doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going into your garage makes you a car. Professing Christ is easier said, than done!
We gather to pray that the Lord of All Nations may grant us the grace to love all people—especially those who are difficult to love. May we all be filled with the Holy Spirit, so that all whose lives are touched by ours may know Your healing touch and mercy. Love all your neighbors.
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
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